Pets

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is companionable and loving, often at its most contented sharing in family life which usually includes the furniture and your bed. Despite all your early good intentions these endearing pets will inveigle their way up on to the sofa and beyond. (You’ve been warned!) As an intelligent and very sensitive Terrier, this breed is not suited as a kennel dog, or to live in isolation whatsoever. Being shut in all day will create depression and loneliness and have an adverse effect on its sunny disposition therefore they are not suited to working owners who are out all day. The individual generally keeps its puppy-like enthusiasm well into old age.

Described as a game, spirited terrier, this is already in evidence by 12 weeks of age. Overnight this bundle of teddy bear fluff suddenly morphs into a canine ‘Terrier-ist’ as the exuberant, fun loving and enthusiastic big personality emerges. Like all terriers, the Wheaten Terrier is very people orientated and expects everyone to share his joie de vivre. This exuberance requires correct socialising and firm, positive, disciplined and consistent training, especially during adolescence approximately ages 8-24 months where clear acceptable behaviours are reinforced.

The ‘Wheaten greeting’ is legendary. Not every walker will appreciate being suddenly bombarded by a whirlwind of muddy paws and wet fur jumping up at them from seemingly nowhere, as the undisciplined Wheaten Terrier puppy happily greets every passer-by. Dogs may also object to a playful youngster cajoling them which puts the pup at risk from a nip from a less friendly dog.

In the home, usually every visitor is greeted as a long-lost friend. The dog’s delight is often expressed vocally and inevitably jumping up in attempting to lick your nose. Some dogs never learn to say hello quietly or calmly, always looking to adding to its friendship base. Welcomed by many, but not by all of your visitors.

The Wheaten Terrier will equally guard and protect its property. Not a ‘yappy’ dog, however its strong alarm bark will leave no doubt he means business. If left alone excessively for long periods, the single pet may come distressed and may alert everyone within earshot and beyond, to its unhappiness and anxiety, much to your neighbours’ annoyance

Despite its intelligence and sensitive spirit, this breed is robust and adaptable, being originally bred as a general multi-purpose farm dog. It is very much a ‘Jack of all trades’ and in moderation, with great patience, can be trained to do most canine functions, for example, Obedience, Agility, Field Trial, Therapy Dogs (selection according to its aptitude). Its intelligence may on occasion be interpreted as stubbornness.

Whilst many are attracted to this beautiful breed for its glistening palomino curls and waves, this Terrier is no pushover. Do not be misled…underneath this glamorous appearance is a tough dynamic high energy Terrier who won’t back down and is usually fair game for most things.

Some Wheaten Terriers are more Terrier-like than others with a strong hunting instinct. Without clear discipline, these particular individuals will gleefully take on a swan, chase ducks, cattle, deer, etc. Once selected deafness and stubbornness kicks in all your shouting and appeals in the world won’t distract this determined hunter. Without firm control and good training your ‘Goldilocks’ could wreak havoc, usually to your embarrassment. The scent of a fox will whip your cute pet into a frenzy.

Whilst your pet will live very peacefully with your cat, the same affection will not extend to your neighbours’ moggy or chickens, which will be targeted and regarded as fair game. Most Wheaten Terriers are generally friendly and approachable whilst others can be over protective and more guarded, seeing other dogs as a threat. It’s vital prospective owners appreciate the full Terrier instinct and temperament.